GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageHard
A student is writing an argumentative essay and wants to ensure correct word usage. Which sentence correctly uses 'imply'?
- AFrom the speaker's tone, I inferred that the new policy would be unpopular.
- BWhat are you implying by that statement?
- CThe data implies a significant shift in consumer preferences.
- DThe speaker implied that the new policy would be unpopular with the public.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The speaker implied that the new policy would be unpopular with the public.
Option A correctly uses 'implied'. 'Imply' means to suggest or hint at something without stating it directly (the speaker's action). 'Infer' means to draw a conclusion from evidence (the listener's action). Options B and C confuse the two, and D is a question using 'imply' correctly, but A is a stronger, more direct example of a speaker implying something.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This option correctly uses 'inferred' but the question specifically asks for 'imply'. It's a plausible distractor because 'infer' is related.
- B. This option correctly uses 'imply' in a question, but A provides a clearer statement of a speaker's action of implying.
- C. This option incorrectly uses 'implies'; data doesn't 'imply', it 'suggests' or allows one to 'infer'.
Imply vs. Infer
'Imply' means to suggest or hint at something indirectly (the speaker/writer's action). 'Infer' means to deduce or conclude from evidence (the listener/reader's action).
- Imply: to hint (speaker/writer).
- Infer: to deduce (listener/reader).
- Think 'I' for 'imply' (I'm hinting), 'you' for 'infer' (you're deducing).
- They are two sides of the same communication coin.
Memory trick: Speakers imply, listeners infer, no reason to fear.